“GOOD WORK IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION”

“GOOD WORK IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION”

Monday, May 16th, 2022

SCRIPTURE:

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” – Nehemiah 2:4b-5

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:10

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, - Matthew 28:19

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Serving the Lord requires of each of us great sacrifice. Being “All In”, taking up our cross and following Christ every step of the way. Taking up one’s cross does suggest some degree of suffering as we strive to live out our calling. It goes without saying that pastors too, and probably most especially pastors, experience spiritual warfare, attacks from the enemy. It’s not uncommon to experience bullies, naysayers, and critics. Pastors can receive nasty emails, anonymous letters, verbal words of hate, rumors, all kinds of threats, and the list goes on. Such experiences can take its toll on anyone’s health (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, etc) , and even cause one to doubt their own call to ministry.

In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, we read of an ordinary guy who hears from God, faithfully responds, and engages in the Good Work God has called him to. His Good Work is to rebuild his hometown, Jerusalem, that lay in ruins. The city walls are destroyed, the temple is destroyed, and the people are losing hope. Nehemiah prays and fasts and prays some more. He hears very clearly from God to go and engage in the Good Work of rebuilding the city and its walls. He leaves his current job as cupbearer to the king, and travels home to begin the work. He inspires the people. He makes tremendous progress. And he faces a myriad of oppositions along the way too. Yet, he remains confident in his calling. He continues the work. He resists responding to the haters, naysayers, and opposition. He resists responding to distractions that would take him away from his Good Work. And he knows the enemy is at work to destroy the Good Work that God has called him to. So, he prayerfully and faithfully and obediently stays the course. He doesn’t doubt his calling. Rather, he becomes even more passionate about his work. And God uses Nehemiah in a mighty way to make an eternal difference in the lives of the Israelites.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

As clergy, you and I are called by God to share in the Good Work of making an eternal impact in the lives of others. Lord knows that when we are striving to serve Him, the enemy shows up trying to create; opposition, distractions, critics, and great conflict… ALL in an attempt to derail the ministry that we’ve been called to. By the power of the Holy Spirit, DON’T LET IT! Be prepared to face opposition to the Good Work you are doing. Be encouraged in knowing that you’re not alone. Such opposition simply means that the Good Work you are doing is posing a greater threat to the enemies scheming and plans. Rise above it. Christ Our Lord has already overcome the evil one. Hallelujah! Rely on His strength. Lean into His abiding presence. Remember your unique calling. Pray continually and obediently stay the course. And as you do, I trust the Lord will continue to bless the work of your hands as He did Nehemiah.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Thank You for the call You’ve placed upon my life. Thank You that You are Good and that Your mercy and Your love endures forever and ever. Remind me of these things as I strive to faithfully serve You. Lord, I confess that I struggle from time to time with such a calling, especially when I encounter opposition. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to respond as You would only have me to in such situations. Help me and those serving alongside me to stay focused on the Good Work, the Great Commission. Protect us from the enemies scheming. Protect us from distractions, hatred, conflicts, rumors, and opposition in whichever way such things present themself. May I rely on Your strength, knowing that Jesus too faced opposition yet made an eternal impact in the lives of ALL those who would believe. Guide me and lead me O Lord. Bless the work of my hands and the words of my mouth, all that I am and all that I am not, to somehow, and in some way be a blessing to others. I ask all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. – AMEN

RESOURCE & APPLICATION:

Reflect upon God’s calling upon your life when you first heard it. Journal and write that down if you haven’t already. By doing so, I trust you won’t be as easily shaken to abandon such a calling when you do face opposition to the Good Work you are doing.

Establish a team of Prayer Warriors if you haven’t already, who will intentionally pray a hedge of protection around you, your family, and the Good Work you’ve been called to.

And finally, pray again that God would give you the courage and boldness to continue to lead no matter what may come your way.